Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1ES | Tel: 01945 583817

Wisbech Through the Ages 1700-1800

"came to Wisbich, an ugly, dull town with a large canal thro' it, in the Dutch taste, over which has been lately built an handsome stone bridge of one arch" diary of Viscount Torrrington 1790

Wisbech continued to expand during the 1700's. River trade increased considerably, helped by the opening of a canal in 1795 which connected the town to the main Fenland rivers via the Well Creek at Outwell. Further improvements to the navigation of the River Nene were made and larger ships could now safely enter the harbour. The volume of goods passing through the port increased, helped by the fact that Wisbech was now connected to a new system of turnpike roads. A number of prosperous corn merchants now based themselves in the town and seven mills were processing oil from seed in 1735. Map from the 1792 Wisbech Rate Book showing the town and surrounding fields. 

 

 
 

A number of fine new houses were built in the town, during the eighteenth century including Peckover House in 1722 and Sulehay House around 1727. Public works projects include a new stone bridge across the River Nene on the North Brink in 1758 and a Poor House (workhouse) opened in 1722. By 1800 the population of the town had reached 4,710.

 

Site design by The Virtual Experience Company in association with Radiant Interactive 3D